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CORDELE, Ga. (WALB) – A Cordele man has pleaded guilty to the 2018 shooting deaths of two women, bringing closure to a case that deeply affected the local community.

On May 5, 2018, 31-year-old Shawna Ware and 33-year-old Sheena Jones were fatally shot in the 400 block of East 21st Avenue. Ware died at the scene, while Jones died of her injuries days later at a Macon hospital. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reported that more than 30 bullet markers were found at the scene, indicating the severity of the incident.

The suspect, James L. Smith, was apprehended the following day after a standoff with police at a Perry motel. During the arrest, Smith allegedly opened fire on officers but was taken into custody without any injuries reported.

In a recent court appearance, Smith entered a guilty plea for the murders of Ware and Jones. He has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus a consecutive 25 years to serve in the GDC.

For more information, visit the original WALB articles:

• Neighbors react to Cordele murder investigation
• Family: Second victim in Saturday Cordele shooting dies

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